Eastern Nazarene College Celebrates 2024 Graduates on Commencement Weekend

Eastern Nazarene College (ENC) celebrated the graduating class of 2024 with end-of-year ceremonies and Commencement exercises on May 3 and 4.  

A Baccalaureate service was held Friday, May 3 in the Wollaston Church of the Nazarene. The heartfelt ceremony saw call-and-response readings from graduating senior Colby Snook and his parents, Spanish and English scripture readings, and a message to graduates and guests from President Derr.  

Student Body President Tyra Davis, who graduated the next day, gave a compelling testimony about her time at the College, as well as a shoutout to her family back in Houston, Texas. Fellow graduate Jordyn Fitch gave similar testimony about the power of community that can be found at ENC. Pastor Jim Abrams, father of graduating senior Micah Abrams, ENC alumnus, and Lead Pastor of South Weymouth Church of the Nazarene delivered the evening’s sermon.  

A reception for the Baccalaureate ceremony was held in the Lahue Athletic Center, where students took photos with their guests and classmates against special backdrops, enjoyed catering, and collected their gifts from the Office of Alumni Relations.  

Before the 102nd Commencement exercises on May 4, the Phi Delta Lambda Honor Scholar Society held a brunch at 10:00 a.m. for inductees and their guests. Alison Ramirez Hernandez, winner of the 2024-25 Phi Delta Lambda Scholarship, was honored at the event.  

The Commencement ceremony was held later that afternoon at the College’s campus. The event began with a procession of faculty, staff, and distinguished guests, including Reverend Dr. Richard Griffiths, Lead Pastor of Bronx Bethany Church. Griffiths, known for his dedication to the Lord, took the stage to deliver the commencement address and captivated the audience with his profound insights and impassioned call to action. Drawing upon themes of service, empathy, and the pursuit of knowledge, he challenged graduates to become agents of positive change in their communities and beyond.

The class of 2024 was comprised of 129 graduates across adult and graduate studies programs and traditional undergraduate. Of these, 35 students were distinguished as graduating with honors. The flags onstage represented 12 different countries that corresponded to students in the graduating class: America, Argentina, Belize, Colombia, Costa Rica, Haiti, Honduras, Peru, Serbia, Spain, Uganda, and Vietnam. Students who had parents, siblings, or other family members attend ENC were asked to stand in recognition, as well as first-generation college students.

Dean of Students Dr. Ian Slater presented the Oustanding Senior Award, given to a graduating senior who displays not only academic excellence but dedication to Christian witness and the mission of the College. This high honor is voted on each year by faculty and staff members. This year, Josiah Golden was presented the award during the Commencement ceremony. Similarly, Professor Robert Murphy, also an Adult and Graduate Studies class of 2024 graduate, presented David Willis Grant McPherson with the Outstanding Adult and Graduate Studies Student Award.

Senior Class President Madison Rearick presented a gift from the outgoing senior class as a donation to renovate and refresh the Hebrews Lounge in the Mann Student Center. The seniors also contributed $10,000 to the Every Class a Scholarship Program, an endowed scholarship from the Class of 2024. This annual tradition is for the new alumni to start giving back to the College right away.

Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the College Dr. Bill McCoy presented the candidates for graduation and each student was given their diploma, pausing for raucous applause. When each student had the chance to collect their degree and take a seat, Dr. John Nielson, music director and associate professor of Practical Theology, led the crowd in the College’s Alma Mater.

Closing her first year as President of Eastern Nazarene College, Reverend Dr. Colleen Derr conferred each degree. She gave closing remarks before reminding all graduates that the College was once their home and always will be, and she hopes they return. Vice President for Multicultural Affairs Robert Benjamin closed the ceremony and the graduates’ collegiate career with a final benediction before the recessional.

Congratulations to the class of 2024!